become good at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become good at" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of improving skills or proficiency in a particular area or activity. Example: "With practice and dedication, anyone can become good at playing the guitar."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You can even become good at it.

The New York Times - Food

Somehow, cyclists become good at resetting goals.

The New York Times - Sports

But I could become good at this; we all could.

The New York Times - Food

So how, exactly, does one become good at spotting opportunities?

Harvard Business Review

A few, though, have them often and some have become good at manipulating the process.

The Economist

Moreover, college graduates have become good at passing down advantages to their children.

The New York Times

Politicians will never become good at their jobs if courts take their place.

The New York Times

THE Venerable Jaseung has, of late, become good at saying sorry.

The Economist

And I think once people become good at something it's brilliant for their confidence and they become good at other things.

The Guardian

In a future episode, we hope to dig into exactly how to become good at this.

Harvard Business Review

I have never seen anybody become good at strategy without practice.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "become good at", ensure that the context clearly specifies the skill or area in which proficiency is being developed. For example, "With consistent practice, you can "become good at" playing the piano."

Common error

Avoid using "become good at" with overly broad or undefined subjects. Instead of saying "He wants to "become good at" life", specify the area of improvement: "He wants to "become good at" managing his finances and relationships."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become good at" functions as a verb phrase indicating the process of acquiring or developing proficiency in a particular skill or area. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

31%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Science

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become good at" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the process of developing skills or expertise. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it enjoys widespread use across various contexts, including News & Media, Wiki, and Formal & Business settings. To enhance your writing, specify the skill to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "excel at" or "master" can add nuance. Remember, "become good at" focuses on the journey of improvement, not just the destination.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excel at

Emphasizes a high level of performance and skill.

master

Implies complete control and expertise over a subject or skill.

get proficient in

Focuses on achieving a competent level of skill.

develop expertise in

Highlights the gradual growth of knowledge and skill.

acquire skill in

Emphasizes the process of gaining a new ability.

improve at

Focuses on the process of making progress and enhancing existing abilities.

get the hang of

Suggests an informal understanding and ability to do something.

hone skills in

Refers to refining and perfecting existing skills.

cultivate a talent for

Implies nurturing and developing a natural aptitude.

gain competence in

Indicates acquiring a sufficient level of ability for a specific task.

FAQs

How can I use "become good at" in a sentence?

Use "become good at" to describe the process of improving or developing skills in a specific area. For instance, "She practiced daily to "become good at" playing the guitar."

What can I say instead of "become good at"?

You can use alternatives like "excel at", "master", or "get proficient in" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "become good at" or "be good at"?

"Become good at" describes the process of improving, while "be good at" describes a current state of proficiency. For example, "He wants to "become good at" coding" versus "He is good at coding".

What's the difference between "become good at" and "become better at"?

"Become good at" implies reaching a general level of proficiency, whereas "become better at" suggests improving from an already existing skill level. It focuses on incremental progress.